Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) | "no greater evil can befall a country than that it should lose its independence."

Property of a New York Collector

Gandhi, Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma)

Typed letter signed ("M K Gandhi"), to David B. Park ("Dear Friend"), explaining the goals of the Indian independence movement

One page (282 x 220 mm) on a sheet of typing paper (watermarked Skagerack | Made in Sweden), Wardha, India, 21 September 1934, with manuscript and typed emendations, accompanied by the original manuscript envelope, stamped and postmarked, directed to Park in Pipestone, Minnesota; letter with pinholes at intersecting folds, envelope worn and lightly soiled.

With India still under the British Raj, the Mahatma sends a succinct but profound explanation of the Indian independence movement to an American supporter.

"I have your letter of 26th July last. The Indian movement stands for complete independence. That does not exclude an honourable partnership on absolutely equal terms. But there can be no association with imperialist exploitation of India or any other country. Naturally you have heard the opinion that India could not be left on its own. Imperialism has always justified itself in that manner. I believe in the maxim that no greater evil can befall a country than that it should lose its independence.

"The caste system, as it exists at present, is certainly the bane of Hindu life. Its rigour is unmitigated by the British rule. On the contrary it gains force because of the so-called neutrality necessarily observed by the ruling power for the sake of itself. The great movement of removal of untouchability is an attack on the evil underlying the caste system."

PROVENANCE:

Bonhams New York, 20 June 2007, lot 5261 (undesignated consignor)